Salihi aiming for BWSL Grand Final triumph against her former club

At just 19 years old, Beri Salihi has emerged as a standout talent in the Betfred Women’s Super League, cementing her place as St Helens’ starting full-back since joining ahead of the 2024 season.  

On Sunday, she will feature in her third major final for the Red V, aiming to help Saints to a sixth Grand Final triumph. 

Salihi has been a consistent presence for St Helens throughout the campaign, making 17 league appearances, scoring seven tries, and notching 13 assists, playing a vital role in Saints’ run to a third successive Grand Final. 

“It's been a really competitive season,” said Salihi. “I'm only 19, so I don't think people always realise how young I am. Playing full-back comes with pressure, and I've been moving around a bit, but this second season - especially at Saints - I've started to find my feet, and I'm feeling more confident.” 

Salihi’s rugby league journey began with rivals and Sunday's Grand Final opponents Wigan Warriors, where she came through their U19s and made four senior appearances in 2023.

Now, facing her former club in the biggest game of the season, there’s added motivation:

“I grew up playing with and against the girls at Wigan. Grace Banks and I always talked about our dreams of playing Super League together. It’s surreal to now be playing against each other in a Grand Final. 

“Of course, we’re friends off the pitch - but on it, I’ll do whatever I can to help St Helens win. It means even more because it’s Wigan and I used to play there.” 

A childhood fan of Jodie Cunningham, who made her England debut when Salihi was just seven, she now counts her idol among her teammates - something she doesn’t take for granted. 

“Jodie always speaks to me before games and tells me to believe in myself. She says, ‘I don’t want anyone else at full-back but you.’ That gives me huge confidence.” 

“I’ve been playing centre recently too, alongside Zoe Harris, and she’s been great - always backing me up in defence and communicating really well.” 

While this may be only her second Grand Final, Salihi is taking on board all the advice from her experienced teammates:

“They’ve played in so many of these games, and while they say the nerves don’t go away, they always tell me to just enjoy the moment.” 

After another solid season in the Red V, Salihi is hoping for one last triumph this Sunday:

“Winning would just top the season off. In the league, there's not really been much between us and Wigan. There was only a point between us so there is nothing in it at all.

"I think it's going to be such a good game to watch.” 

The Betfred Women's Super League Grand Final will take place at The Brick Community Stadium on Sunday 5 October (K.O. 5:30pm), live on Sky Sports.

Get your tickets for the BWSL's season finale here!